Saturday's 4-0 defeat at Lowestoft in the semi-final first leg has given them a huge task when the return fixture takes place this weekend at Hillheads, but a large and partisan crowd could help to swing the tie in Whitley's favour.

Whitley need to win by four goals to force extra-time, and while this is a difficult challenge it is certainly not impossible as they have scored four or more goals 12 times this season already while Lowestoft have conceded four or more goals on ten occasions.

A four goal winning margin would take the game to extra-time and if the aggregate score over the two games still remained level, penalties would decide the winners.

There are also other factors in Whitley's favour.

Having produced their poorest display of the season last Saturday they are due a big improvement, and following that defeat they are now relieved of the favourites tag.

That unenviable title now belongs to Lowestoft.

In the past Whitley have performed best as the underdogs, as was the case at Truro in the fifth round, and on the final day of last season when against all the odds they claimed the Northern League championship.

If Lowestoft come to Whitley believing that they are already in the final, they could be in for a shock.

An early goal for Whitley would really get the crowd behind them and test a few nerves in the Lowestoft side.

It is likely that the visitors, whose goalkeeper suffered a bad injury on Saturday, will have to field a reserve keeper and his performance could turn out to be crucial to the outcome of the game.

Hundreds of tickets have already been sold locally and with Newcastle not playing until Sunday, it is expected that the attendance will be boosted by many of their fans who have been encouraged to come along and give their support to Whitley Bay.

Tickets, priced at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, are still available at the Seahorse Club from 6pm onwards each evening and also from Beckmans Newsagents outside the ground in Hillheads Road.

Lowestoft have several coach loads of fans making the journey north in the expectation of cheering their side to victory so a great atmosphere can be expected.

Fans may pay on the day but are urged to arrive early and well before the kick-off time of 3pm to avoid long queues at the turnstiles.

If Whitley can pull off victory it would mean they would play the final on May 11, the same date as they won the Vase back in 2002.

After the excitement of the FA Vase, Whitley return to Northern League action next week and their bid to retain the championship.

On Tuesday evening they will be at home to West Auckland Town while on Friday, April 4, they have a rearranged fixture away to West Allotment Celtic, kick-off 7.30pm.


Whitley's road to the semi finals

• Second Round Hebburn Town (away) won 4-1


• Third Round Flixton (home) won 6-0


• Fourth Round Long Buckby (home) won 1-0


• Fifth Round Truro City (away) won 3-0


• Sixth Round Hungerford Town (away) won 1-0